Jockey Neil Husbands and Azures Royalty are ready for the Battle of the Breeds race against Thoroughbreds on Father's Day.

© JM Photos

AJAX, ONT–JUNE 13, 2024–Come out to the fabulous Father's Day celebration at Ajax Downs this Sunday, June 16, and enjoy a great afternoon of Quarter Horse racing with some super prizes up for grabs. Six exciting races are on tap, including the 870-yard Battle Of The Breeds, pitting the Quarter Horses versus Thoroughbreds.

Sunday's first race post-time is 12:55 p.m. The Father's Day card of racing is one of several special events on Sundays through the summer at popular Ajax Downs.

The on-track feature on Sunday is the fourth Battle Of The Breeds, a $13,000 open race for Quarter Horses versus Thoroughbreds. There have been two Battle of the Breeds races thus far in 2024, plus one last fall. Currently, the Quarter Horses are up two wins to 1. This weekend's 'Battle' has lured two Thoroughbreds from Fort Erie racetrack to take on three Ajax Downs Quarter Horses.

The father and son combo of Anthony Alderson and Ryan Alderson are bringing their fast Thoroughbred Shakoo Makoo for Sunday's race. The 6-year-old son of Ontario sire Reload has won 7 of 20 career starts and is best known for his breakneck speed out of the gate. Ajax Downs' jockey Tony Phillips will ride Shakoo Makoo from post one. Also from Fort Erie is Sofias Slugger for Radcliffe Racing Stable and trainer Josh Robillard. The 6-time career winner will have Terry Husbands on board from post four.

Had To Be Relentless, from the red-hot stable of Carol and Jaime Robertson, is the top Quarter Horse contender as he just missed winning the most recent Battle of the Breeds at 770 yards on May 29. The talented half-brother to champion Had to Be Ivory won the first pari-mutuel 'hook' race (around a turn) at Ajax Downs in 2022. Josh Scott rides from post five.

Azures Royalty, who won the first Battle of the Breeds last fall, is back to defend his title. The big grey owned by Magen Finnessey will be making his third start of the 2024 season, and Neil Husbands rides. And completing the field is Blake Smith's Dashin North, who has run well around a turn in hook races in Alberta. Rachael Isaacs rides Dashin North from post two.

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*Parking and admission are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on the race's trackside or from the expansive simulcast room. Wagering is also available through www.HPIBET.com. Do you have a group or company event? Call ahead to reserve the trackside VIP room to enjoy food, drink and mutuels.

Follow Ajax Downs on social media @AjaxDowns and visit our website for news, track programs, and more information.